This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology. Some Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
IN CHAMBERS:
Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor
Tamara Cornwell, Vice- Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2
Sunshine Joiner, Commissioner, Ward 2
Sheldon Jones, Commissioner-at-Large 1
Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1
Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3
STAFF PRESENT IN CHAMBERS:
Mark Barnebey, City Attorney
Jim Freeman, City Clerk
Edward Johnson, Interim CRA Director
Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Director
Scott Tyler, Chief of Police
Cassi Bailey, Assistant City Clerk
STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY:
Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant
1. Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor James McCrickard with Crossroads Christian Church, gave the prayer for tonight’s meeting.
All persons intending to address the City Commission were duly sworn.
2. CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams
seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the June 3, 2024 City Commission Agenda.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Joe Sicking, Fire Chief of North River Fire District discussed funding and the proposed tax, which will be on the 2024 general election ballot. He handed out a flyer, which was made part of the Minutes. Commissioner Williams asked about the City of Bradenton and if there were benefits of a flat rate rather than millage. Commissioner Joiner questioned if this is only taxable on private homes. No, it applies to all parcels. All
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exemptions will apply. Commissioner Smith asked if all the fire districts operate together. Mr. Sicking explained that every district is funded by non-ad valorem assessments and impact fees. However, each district can seek an additional supplemental ad valorem tax, which is what most of the fire districts in Manatee County do. If approved, the additional tax revenue will fund their Advanced Life Support program, infrastructure and facilities updates, and fire/rescue equipment.
Betty Sailes Rhodes spoke on the Lincoln Park signage.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Minutes: 5/6/24
b. IT Surplus
c. Resolution 2024-14 JAG ECD Upgrade Grant
d. Special Function Permit- Desoto’s 4th of July Beer Garden
e. Legal Invoices
MOTION: Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Jones seconded,
and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented by staff.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the City Commission Meeting to open the June 3, 2024 CRA Board Meeting at 7:13 pm.
Mayor Bryant reconvened the City Commission Meeting at 7:38 pm.
STANDING AGENDA ITEMS:
5. Traffic Update
No traffic update.
COMMENTS:
6. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS
Mr. Freeman reported that we would proceed with the calendar invites for the extra budget workshop meetings in July and August, that were discussed at the Workshop. He is hoping to bring Mr. Bunce’s property easement agreement back at the next meeting.
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Commissioner Williams asked if that includes the cost of the gate. Yes, we are giving him an access easement over the road and property. He will be responsible for the cost of surveying the property and the easement legal paperwork. The City will be responsible for the cost of installing a manual gate, a little further past his property. They will also add signage on the old gate near the road. The cost will be approximately $1600 for the City to add a gate.
Mr. Rayan noted that tomorrow will be the first of three meetings, which will be for the Ward 1 Phase III pre-bid with potential contractors. This meeting is open to the public. The next step will be answering questions that were given during the meeting. Then they will open the project to bid. Finally, they will come back to Commission with the lowest bidder, have a pre-construction meeting, and move forward with construction.
The roundabout at US 41 and 23rd Street is near completion.
He also reported that he is working with an engineering firm to fix the reclaimed water pressure issue. They know that part of the problem is a lack of rain and an increase in demand. They are doing additional work to evaluate and address the low pressure in the pump systems. Commissioner Cornwell asked if they are in communication with the residents that have expressed concern. Mr. Rayan answered yes, they are updating them as they reach out.
Commissioner Williams asked Mr. Rayan if we got approval from SWFWMD to increase the bubble. Yes, but it’s not enough to meet the demand. He believes we’re not able to reach all the people in the City. Commissioner Williams suggested reaching out to reporters to let them know we are working to fix these issues, and make them aware of what they can do, for example, don’t leave their spickets running. Mr. Rayan would like to wait until they have a better understanding of the problem and a plan in place.
Commissioner Jones questioned if this included businesses down 7th street. Mr. Rayan responded, yes.
Mr. Johnson shared that during the current budget cycle they plan to add funds towards Ward 1 phase III, to add additional lighting, sidewalks, cameras, etc. He also wanted to remind the Board of the pending sale of the Riverside property and noted that once the property is sold the profits can be used for affordable housing opportunities.
Mr. Barnebey said he sent the Board a memo last week on a matter that came up regarding litigation that was filed. He is working with the FMIT attorney, Jay Daigneault. He also shared that as we approach election season, he will coordinate with Mr. Rayan and the Chief to host informational sessions for approved election sign placement.
7. MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Bryant reminded everyone of projects that have been done in Ward 1. For example, the pool at Lincoln Park, MLK park, MLK park restrooms, MLK park playground equipment is on order, and the upcoming Ward 1 Phase III project, which will also incorporate additional CRA monies. She asked if they would be working with the County to help with lighting in the area. Mr. Freeman responded that they put in a request through Light Up Manatee, for the East side of 2nd Avenue. They are waiting to
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hear back.
Mayor Bryant also reported that HCA Blake Palmetto Urgent Care Center will be opening on June 21st.
8. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS
Nothing additional.
Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:56 pm.
Minutes approved: JUNE 17, 2024
JAMES R. FREEMAN
James R. Freeman
City Clerk